An Introduction To This Year’s Mayoral Candidates
This year’s New York City mayoral election signifies a moment of change for New York City. Every four years, New York City holds an election to choose its next mayor, and while each election shapes the city’s future, the anticipation and magnitude ahead of November’s vote seem unprecedented. Given the young people’s movement and vast differences between candidates, it serves as a reminder that this election will have massive ramifications for both Riverdale students and faculty as well as anyone living in New York City. With hot button issues such as educational funding, affordable housing and public safety on the ballot, it is clear that while New York City functions well, there is lots left to be desired. Spurred on by incumbent candidate Mayor Eric Adams dropping out of the race, each of the frontrunners for mayor seem to have a chance at winning the election. Among those frontrunners are Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa, each of whom represents a different group of New York constituents.
Zohran Mamdani is the new voice. He is a 33-year-old New York State Assemblyman who is running for mayor for the first time. His progressive platform has brought new energy into the race, focusing on affordable housing, the public transit system and the education system. As demonstrated by his focus on these issues, Mamdani’s core values are deeply rooted in making life affordable for the middle class. Through rallies and a youth oriented approach, Mamdani shocked the political world by winning the Democratic primary over former governor Cuomo. More recently, Mamdani’s campaign garnered the support of many young voters seeking a change to the already existing system.
On the other hand, Andrew Cuomo is a far more experienced politician, having previously served as governor of New York. In many ways, his campaign represents a comeback as he emphasizes experience and stability as two of his strengths. After losing the primary election to Mamdani, Cuomo is now running as an independent seeking to uphold centrist democratic values. Among said values are his emphasis on rebuilding trust in the government and being tough on crime. Given that Cuomo is running as a centrist, his success verges on being able to pull from both sides of the aisle in order to garner votes.
Finally, Curtis Sliwa, is running as the Republican candidate for the second election cycle in a row. His platform focuses on solving the issues of public safety as well as supporting small businesses in New York. One of his most central ideas is to restore “common sense” to the mayor’s office. Throughout Sliwa’s campaign, many have praised his outspoken style and grassroots approach within the city. As the third candidate in the race, Sliwa represents a slightly different group of constituents, albeit a group who can make a major impact in the election.
When speaking with Riverdale students to better understand their view of this pivotal election, it was clear that none of these candidates are the perfect option. 11th grader Rohan Varia put it simply; “I think the City is ever changing and a mayor should be able to adapt the goals and promises they set forth during their campaign to fit the city at that moment in time.” This sentiment is not an uncommon one. Many view New York City as both the financial and epicenter of the world. Another junior, Florian Kroker McCormack believes that “New York City needs someone who will oppose Trump but needs an economic policy that does not verge on democratic socialism.” Finally, 11th grader Sam Ziff describes what’s at stake in this election: “ It [the election] is extraordinarily important because it determines the legislation that will eventually guide our day to day life”. Indeed, whether Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa or another candidate is picked, this choice could affect the lives of the 8 million citizens of NYC for years to come.
By looking at the election from a city standpoint, it may not seem like a big deal, after all, mayoral elections occur every four years. However, this election is about more than just the candidates and their beliefs. This moment in New York City is a fragile one, where young people are truly beginning to have a say in the politics that will define their lives. As illustrated by the Riverdale students who commented, this election is about more than the issues. In many ways, this election can offer a glimpse into not only the future of the city, but the future of the nation. By examining these stakes it becomes clear that now more than ever there is a civic responsibility on everyone– young people especially– to vote and change.
